Fluid dispensing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing a fluid includes a fan, at least light on the moving part of the fan, and a fluid dispenser disposed to dispense a fluid into the gas moved by the fan. Optionally there is a fluid reservoir supply the fluid and it provides mechanical support to the fan. This apparatus may be optionally configured to be suitable for handheld operation. Further the apparatus includes an optional drinking port allow drinking from the optional fluid reservoir.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/680,821 filed on May 14, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to an apparatus for dispensing a fluid in a moving gas. Particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for generating a mixture of gas and fluid.

BACKGROUND

A representative example apparatus for generating a mixture of gas and fluid is a misting system. An example misting system includes at least one fan and at least one fluid dispenser. A fan is an apparatus for moving a gas such as air. A fan comprises a gas-moving assembly, a stationary assembly, and an actuator for generating a gas movement through moving the gas-moving assembly in the gas with respect to the stationary assembly. The stationary assembly may be only stationary with respect the gas moving assembly. In some fan design, the stationary assembly may be in motion; for example, the stationary assembly of an oscillating fan is oscillating slowly between two positions to generate a predetermined gas movement pattern, or the stationary assembly is mounted on a moving vehicle. The fluid dispenser may include an ejector for ejecting a fluid into the moving gas. Examples of ejector include but are not limited to atomizer, nozzle, or sprayer. Refer to U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,873, which is incorporated by reference herein for details on ejectors. Optionally, the fluid dispenser comprises a pump or a fluid reservoir. Selected fluid dispenser types may be employed for dispensing a suspension efficiently.

FIG. 1 shows the side view of a representative prior art misting system, which employs an axial fan. Referring to FIG. 1, the axial fan comprises a gas-moving assembly 12, a motor 131, and a stationary assembly 11. The axial fan stands on stationary assembly 11. Example implementations of stationary assembly 11 include but are not limited to a base, a frame, or a housing. Stationary assembly 11 supports the actuator, motor 131. On the axle 1311 of motor 131 is gas-moving assembly 12. Gas-moving assembly 12 comprises a hub 123 and at least one fan blades 121 extending from hub 123. Axle 1311 of motor 131 mechanically couples to gas-moving assembly 12 through hub 123. In some axial fan designs, there may be a mechanism, for example, a gear system or a pulley system, between motor axle 1311 and hub 123. In operation, motor 131 drives fan blades 121 to rotate about an axis, for example the axis of axle 1311 in FIG. 1, and generate a gas movement. The design of fan blade and hubs are well known to one skilled in the art of fan design. Fan blades may be soft or rigid, and clear or colored. Selected arrangements of the ejectors of the fluid dispenser are represented by nozzle 2111 through nozzle 2115; in which, nozzle 2111 dispenses a fluid onto the gas-moving assembly 12 in the gas flow direction; nozzle 2112 dispenses a fluid onto the gas-moving assembly 12 opposite to the gas flow direction, nozzle 2113 dispenses a fluid away from the gas-moving assembly 12 in the gas flow direction, nozzle 2114 and nozzle 2115 dispenses a fluid into the moving gas at an angle to the gas flow direction. Optionally the fluid dispenser comprises at least one pump, which is arranged to pump fluid to the ejector. The pump may be powered or manually operated.

Other types of fans may be employed in a misting system instead of the axle fan, which moves gas to flow in a direction along the axis of rotation of gas-moving assembly 12. The centrifugal fan, for example, moves gas to flow away from its gas-moving assembly in directions that are perpendicular to the axis of rotation of its gas-moving assembly. The gas-moving assembly of a representative centrifugal fan shapes like a squirrel cage. Further, actuators are not limited to motors. Linear actuators, internal combustion engines, and turbine are example of actuators employed for driving the gas-moving assembly of a fan. The actuator of the fan may include a mechanism. This mechanism allows the gas-moving assembly to move in a complex pattern. The fan, including stationary assembly 11, may be moving during operation. For example, the fan is on a moving vehicle or on an oscillating base.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the invention may be gained from the consideration of the following detailed descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a representative prior art apparatus for dispensing a fluid in a moving gas.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified side view of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3 through 6 show simplified partial cutaway views of various alternative embodiments according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the description that follows, like parts are indicated throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 2 shows the side view of an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, an axial fan comprises a gas-moving assembly 12, a motor 131, and a stationary assembly 11. The axial fan stands on stationary assembly 11. Stationary assembly 11 supports the actuator of the axial fan, motor 131. On the axle 1311 of motor 131 is gas-moving assembly 12. Gas-moving assembly 12 comprises a hub 123 and at least one fan blades 121 extending from hub 123. At least one light 122 is on gas-moving assembly 12. Lights 122 are shown on blade 121 and hub 123 in FIG. 2. Light 122 may be on an optional extension member, not shown in FIG. 2, of gas-moving assembly 12. Axle 1311 of motor 131 mechanically couples to gas-moving assembly 12 through hub 123. In some axial fan designs, there may be a mechanism, for example a gear system or a pulley system, between motor axle 1311 and hub 123. In operation, motor 131 drives fan blades 121 to rotate about an axis, for example the axis of axle 1311, and generate a gas movement. The embodiment comprises a fluid dispenser. Selected arrangements of the ejectors of the fluid dispenser of the embodiment are represented by nozzle 2111 through nozzle 2115 as in FIG. 1. Also in FIG. 2, the axial fan and motor 131 may be replaced by other types of fan and other types of actuator. The actuator may include a mechanism. The whole fan may be moving during operation. Hub 123 is optional for selected types of actuator. Light 122 may provide functions including, for example, indication, entertainment, ornamental, lighting, safety, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, in housing 31 are motor 131 and manually operated trigger type pump 2122 of the fluid dispenser of the embodiment. Trigger 2123 of pump 2122 extends to the outside of housing 31. Housing 31 attaches to an optional first fluid reservoir 22. Optional first cap 2211 secures pump 2122 or housing 31 to first fluid reservoir 22. Pump 2122 draws a fluid through optional siphon tube 2124 from first fluid reservoir 22 and sends the fluid to atomizer 2121. Atomizer 2121 dispenses the fluid in the close proximity of gas-moving assembly 12. Siphon tube 2124 extends into first fluid reservoir 22 through first opening 221. On the axle 1311 of motor 131 is gas-moving assembly 12. Atomizer 2121 dispenses the fluid in the close proximity of gas-moving assembly 12. Gas-moving assembly 12 comprises hub 123 and at least one fan blades 121 extending from hub 123. At least one light 122 is on gas-moving assembly 12. Blades 121 are made from a soft and light transmitting material such as, for example, plastic or elastomer. Shown in FIG. 3 are multiple lights 122 of the light emitting diode type of at least one color on a flexible printed circuit board 1221 in one of the fan blades 122. Light 122 may be on multiple fan blades 121 and hub 123. Hub 123 holds an optional control circuit for light 122. The optional control circuit may be implemented with, for example, discrete electronic components, at least one integrated circuit, or a commercially available special purpose light emitting diode control integrated circuit. The optional control circuit may operate lights 122 to show at least one lighting pattern. Optionally, the control circuit may operate light 122 to display a substantially stationary pattern. An optional sensor in hub 123 allows light 122 to turn on when gas-moving assembly rotates above a predetermined angular speed. This optional sensor may be implemented with, for example, a tilt switch, a motion sensor, a spring switch, or a ball switch. Hub 123 holds the battery power source to light 122. Alternatively, power for light 122 may be supplied through, for example, a slip ring system on axle 1311 from a stationary power source or a generator in hub 123. Implementations of the slip ring system are understood by ones that are skilled in directed current motor or direct current generators. Implementations of a generator in hub 123 are understood by ones that are skilled in providing power to the wheels of a vehicle. In housing 31 is an optional battery compartment for the battery that supplies power to motor 131. The embodiment may include an optional power control switch, which is not shown in the figure, for controlling the electrical power flow to motor 131.

FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 except that: at least one light 122 includes an integrated battery and an optional integrated sensor for turning on light 122 when the optional integrated sensor senses a predetermine motion; and pump 2122 couples to an optional adapter 33. Adapter 33 is for coupling pump 2122 and housing 31 to an optional fluid reservoir, which is not shown in FIG. 4. On adapter 33 is a drinking port. Optionally the drinking port includes a first drinking tube 2231 extending into the optional fluid reservoir. Siphon tube 2124 also extends from pump 2122 into the optional fluid reservoir.

FIG. 5 shows a partial cutaway view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, a fan comprises an actuator assembly 13 and a gas-moving assembly 12. Gas moving assembly comprises hub 123, a least one fan blade 121 extending radially from hub 123, and light 122. In actuator assembly 13 is a gearhead motor, which is not shown in the figure. On axle 1311 of gearhead motor is hub 123. Stationary assembly 11 comprises the housing of actuator assembly 13. The housing of actuator assembly 13 attaches to trigger type sprayhead 212 of the fluid dispenser of this embodiment. Optionally, actuator assembly 13 removably attaches to sprayhead 212. Sprayhead 212 attaches to first fluid reservoir 22. Siphon tube 2124 of sprayhead 212 extends into first fluid reservoir 22 through first opening 221. Optionally, sprayhead 212 removably attaches to first fluid reservoir 22. Optional first cap 2211 secures sprayhead 212 onto first fluid reservoir 22. On first fluid reservoir 22 is a second opening 222, which may provide a drinking port function. The drink port is indicated by arrow 123 in the figure. Second cap 2221 covers second opening 222. First drinking tube 2231 extends through second cap 2221. Optionally, first drinking tube 2231 is flexible. Optional second drinking tube 2232 extends from first drinking tube 2231 deep into first fluid reservoir 22. This is an optional cover for second cap 2221, which is not shown in FIG. 5. When this optional cover properly covers second cap 2221, this optional cover bends the optionally flexible first drinking tube 2231 against second cap 2221 and provides a relatively fluid resistant seal for drinking port 223. The optional cover for second cap 2221 may be rotatably attaches to second cap 2221. Optionally, first drinking tube 2231 extends into fluid reservoir 22.

FIG. 6 shows a cutaway view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 except in the arrangement of the fluid reservoirs. Referring to FIG. 6, housing 31 and pump 2122 attach to first fluid reservoir 22 with the aid of optional cap 2211. Siphon 2124 extends from pump 2122 through first opening 221 into first fluid reservoir 22. A second fluid reservoir 36 with second opening 222 attaches to first fluid reservoir 22. Second opening 222 provides, for example, a drinking port function or other functions. The drinking port is indicated by arrow 223 in the figure. Second cap 2221 covers second opening 222. First drinking tube 2231 extends through second cap. Optionally, first drinking tube 2231 is flexible. Optional second drinking tube 2232 extends from first drinking into first fluid reservoir 22. There is an optional cover for second cap 2221, which is not shown in the figure. When this optional cover properly covers second cap 2221, this optional cover bends the optionally flexible first drinking tube 2231 against second cap 2221 and provides a relatively fluid resistant seal for drinking port 223. The optional cover provides a fluid valve function. Optionally first drinking tube 2231 extends into fluid reservoir 22.

There are numerous variations to the embodiments discussed above which will be trivial to the one skilled in the art. Examples of these variations include but not limited to:

• • Examples of gas include but are not limited to air;
  • Examples of fluid include but are not limited to a liquid or a suspension;
  • Pump is optional for the fluid dispenser;
  • Any type of fluid pump may be employed in the fluid dispenser;
  • Fluid reservoir is optional for the fluid dispenser;
  • Examples of a fan include but are not limited to an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, or a blower;
  • Examples of actuator include but are not limited a motor, a engine, a turbine, or a linear actuator;
  • Actuator may include a mechanism;
  • Actuator may include a controller;
  • Drinking tube is optional at drinking port 223;
  • Examples of light 122 include but are not limited to a incandescent light source, a light emitting diode, a electroluminescent light source, a florescent light source, a solid state light source, or a chemiluminescent light source;
  • Lights 122 may receive power from hub 123 through a controller;
  • Light 122 is optional; and
  • A combination or subcombination of the above.

Although the embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and that the form has been described, it is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising:

a fan for moving a gas, comprising: a stationary assembly; a gas-moving assembly, comprising: at least a fan blade; and at least a light; an actuator disposed to move said gas-moving assembly with respect to said stationary assembly; and

a fluid dispenser being disposed to dispense said fluid into the moving gas moved by said fan.

2. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said light being disposed on said fan blade and said fluid dispenser mechanically couples to said fan.

3. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 2, wherein, said fan comprises an axle fan.

4. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 3, wherein, said fluid dispenser comprises:

an ejector for dispensing said liquid; and

a pump supplying said fluid to said ejector.

5. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 4, wherein, said fluid dispenser further comprises, a fluid reservoir for holding said fluid.

6. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 5, wherein, said fluid dispenser further comprises a drinking port.

7. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 6 further comprises a drinking tube extending into said fluid reservoir through said drinking port.

8. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 7 further comprises a siphon tube extending into said fluid reservoir through which said pump draws said fluid from said fluid reservoir.

9. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 4, wherein, said fluid dispenser further comprises an adapter having a drinking port.

10. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 9, wherein, said fluid dispenser further comprises, a fluid reservoir being disposed o hold said fluid mechanically coupling to said pump through said adapter.

11. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 10 further comprises a drinking tube extending into said fluid reservoir through said drinking port.

12. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 11 further comprises a siphon tube extending into said fluid reservoir through which said pump draws said fluid from said fluid reservoir.

13. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising:

a housing;

a motor in said housing having an axle;

a gas-moving assembly; comprising: a hub coupled to said axle of said motor; at least a fan blade extending from said hub; at least a light mechanically coupling to said hub;

a pump in said housing;

a battery compartment in said housing being disposed to receive the battery for powering said motor;

a fluid reservoir mechanically supporting said housing;

a siphon tube through which said pump draw said fluid from said fluid reservoir; and

an atomizer receive the fluid from said pump and dispense said fluid in the close proximity of said gas moving assembly.

14. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 13 further comprises a drinking port in fluid communication with said fluid reservoir.

15. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 14 further comprises a drinking tube extending into said fluid reservoir through said drinking port.

16. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 14, wherein, said drinking port is disposed on said fluid reservoir.

17. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 13 wherein said light being disposed on said fan blade.

18. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 17 further comprises a drinking port in fluid communication with said fluid reservoir.

19. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 18 further comprises a drinking tube extending into said fluid reservoir through said drinking port.

20. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 13 comprise a member extending from said hub and said light being on said member.

21. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 20, wherein, said member being said fan blade.

22. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 13, wherein, said apparatus is suitable for handheld application.

23. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 13, wherein, said pump comprises a trigger-type pump.

24. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising:

at least a fan configured to move a gas;

at least a light on said fan moving when said fan is in operation; and

at lease a fluid dispenser configured to dispense said fluid into the gas moved by said fan.

25. The apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 24 further comprises a drinking port on said fluid dispenser for drinking said fluid.

26. The apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 25 further comprises a fluid reservoir mechanically supporting said fan being disposed to hold said fluid.

27. The apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 24 further comprises a first fluid reservoir mechanically supporting said fan being disposed to hold said fluid.

28. The apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 27 further comprises a second fluid reservoir having a drinking port attaching to said fluid dispenser.